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Award-winning columnist Tom Archdeacon — an old-school storyteller in a brand-new venue — writes about sports, the city, southwest Ohio and anything else that catches his fancy… or yours.Home > Blogs > Through the Arch > Archives > 2011 > May > 31 > Entry
Pryor and OSU may well part ways, too
With Jim Tressel’s ouster at Ohio State - and the fact that more and more transgressions seem to be coming to light - I don’t see Terrelle Pryor playing football for the Buckeyes again.
And if they were truthful, I believe there are plenty in OSU’s inner sanctum who would tell you they’d love to see the” to-hell-with-everybody-else-I’m-gettin’-mine” quarterback hit the bricks.
Former Buckeye running back and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George sees it that way, too.
“Now that Tressel is gone and Luke Fickell takes over, you got to ask yourself the question, ‘Do you really want (Pryor) to come back with all that baggage with him when you’re trying to move on from that?’’ George told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “I don’t think he’ll be back with the Buckeyes this season and I don’t think he’ll be remembered by the Buckeye faithful the same way.”
Former OSU great Chris Spielman told ESPN something similar. He too believes Pryor’s won’t ever play again for the Bucks.
For all his football upside and he has plenty - he has helped OSU win three Big Ten titles and both the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl games in his first three seasons - Pryor’s off-the-field actions have made him a liability to the program.
And I get the feeling we don’t know half the stuff this kid is involved in. Every few days now it seems as if another questionable involvement related to him comes out.
He’s already been suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season because he broke NCAA rules by trading memorabilia and autograghs for tattoos and money.
Now, the Columbus Dispatch reports that Pryor is being further investigated by Ohio State and the NCAA because he may well have traded far more memorabilia than anyone imagines. He also seems to switch cars the way most people change socks.
This week’s issue of Sports Illustrated has a damning cover story alleging years of violations at OSU under Tressel’s watch. Just hours before the story came out, the already embattled coach resigned. Sources say he was forced out by OSU trustees who are reeling from the stain the scandal has put not only on the athletic program, but in some ways the school itself.
While six players have been saddled with suspensions to start the 2011 season because of their memorabilia for tats and cash transactions - NCAA violations that Tressel (in a decision that would cost him his job) kept from his bosses and the sanctioning body - SI quotes a former worker at the tattoo parlor who claims he witnessed similar violations involving nine other current players. Among then he mentioned Beavercreek High’s Zach Domicone and Northmont’s CJ Barnett.
But by far, the current player who comes off the worst in the SI story is Pryor.
SI claims Pryor may have had as many of eight different cars during his three years at OSU, all of them possibly linked to a Columbus car salesman who it’s reported may have provided over 50 cars to OSU athletes and their relatives at NCAA-violating reduced prices
With all that going on Monday - with coach Jim Tressel having just resigned and scrutiny heightened — Pryor showed up for a team meeting driving a black 2007 Nissan 350Z said to be worth up to $27,000.
He had 30-day tags on it. A Columbus TV station checked and found the quarterback was driving with a suspended license. He’d lost it when he couldn’t provide proof of insurance after one of at least three traffic stops he’s had at OSU..
As for the tattoo parlor, Pryor is said to have been a regular there. SI quoted a guy who worked there who said the quarterback seemed to have a never-ending supply of OSU stuff to trade away:
“(He) estimated that Pryor alone brought in more than 20 items, including game-worn shoulder pads, multiple helmets, Nike cleats, jerseys, game pants and more. One day (he) asked Pryor how he was able to take so much gear from the university’s equipment room. (He) says the quarterback responded, “I get whatever I want.”
Certainly Tressel deserves blame for fostering the quarterback’s idea that he gets a special pass. But much of this is on Pryor himself. More than any one player, his actions helped bring about his coach’s demise.
He has to take responsibility for his actions. But that’s not really his style.
Rather than take responsibility, he just takes.
I think plenty of folks around Ohio State have had enough of that. He;s not representative of most athletes at OSU or for what the university stands.
Pryor certainly realizes his star is fading here. Maybe he’ll try to jump into the NFL ‘s supplemental; draft this summer or maybe, if things keep coming out, Ohio State finally will nudge him out the door.
However it happens, I don’t see him spending five low-key, trouble-free weeks in exile to start the season and then taking back over at quarterback.
I don’t see him playing at Ohio State again.
He’s part of the problem, not the solution.
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Comments
By RumorMonger
June 7, 2011 12:58 PM | Link to this
I’m impressed by how much everyone knows. They know Pryor is a sleaze, they know Tressel lied, they know it has been going on for years, they know TP couldn’t afford the cars, etc, etc, etc. They know stuff that has only been alleged by the NCAA or SI. I suggest everyone wait until the investigation is over until they pretend to know everything. Opinions are like anuses, everybody has one and they all stink.
By Zell
June 6, 2011 7:50 AM | Link to this
Tressel beat the Great Loyd Carr by cheating. The bad thing is that once the NCAA rule against OSU. OSU wont be crap for the next five years. HAIL TO THE VICTORS…. Hey Buckeye Fans RICH ROD is availiable or call John Cooper
By CHEF
June 5, 2011 8:15 AM | Link to this
It is amazing how many so called OSU fans have no jumped off the bandwagon. Pryor by no means is a saint but did have 31-4 record as a starter and won some big games. Before you sacrifice the QB, remember it was the NCAA who left the five players play in the Bowl game after they found out what took place in December. They could have stopped the bleeding then, but instead they had to allow the Sugar Bowl, ESPN and other investors make their money with OSU fielding a full squad. Remember this Athletes only do what coaches, administrators allow them to. Marinate on that for awhile. For those intrigued by Meyer coming in, just know he has a past which includes violations as well. So take the medicine and hope the program gets well again so you can sleep at night.
By Bucky
June 4, 2011 8:44 AM | Link to this
Tressel’s bible carrying in the morning and then lying through his teeth for years turned me off back when he was at Youngstown St. The real problem here is the administration (Pres Gee and AD Smith) They have known about Tressel’s coverups and the players wrong doings for a long time. Their solution was to always blame someone else- to have have a scapegoat (Clarett, Tressel. Pryor?) to cover for themselves. The trustees should eliminate both to return credibility to tOSU.
By Randyman
June 3, 2011 12:53 PM | Link to this
OSU needs to replace Gee with Archie Griffin and Gene Smith with Chris Spielman. Withdraw the scholarships from the 5 players. Then try to figure out how to prevent this in the future. Do you take your ten best players and put ankle monitors on them? How do you prevent them from having contact with slimy car salesmen? It would be money well spent for the University to employ an on-site Tatoo Artist and let the players get Tats for free. Hopefully, someone takes those stupid gold pants and burns them. You can’t lay the blame on any one person here. There was enough stupidity to go around.
By sec 312
June 3, 2011 9:33 AM | Link to this
where is OSU Joe?? The huge UD hater, bet he is proud as punch right now
By truth
June 2, 2011 8:30 PM | Link to this
hundred dollar handshakes from alumni, steroids, free dinners, cars,special treatment in class, papers written for students, etc, etc,—this is the tradeoff for athletic talent. If you dig deep enough in any top program this does go on. Face it—these players use their talents and the NCAA uses them to line their pockets. Always follow the money and you will find the crime.
By Kirk Herbstreit
June 2, 2011 1:26 PM | Link to this
Who is the Fake A$$ Buckeye Now?
By I wish I was overblown
June 2, 2011 12:57 PM | Link to this
TP is a 20 year old ——- who thinks he runs the world. Plently of us were also so stupid at one time. At least he won us two major bowl games. Could be worse, we could be Michigan. I’d rather win with a few cheaters than loose with honor. Gettin free tattoos don’t make you run any faster. I’ll only consider it cheating in sports if you’re taking PED’s and everyone else ain’t.
By OSU Sucks Eggs
June 2, 2011 9:39 AM | Link to this
I just hate Ohio State. When they lose, it’s really great. I would even stay up late To watch them lose 100 straight.
By NYC racist?!
June 1, 2011 8:06 PM | Link to this
NYC you seem to miss the white elephant in the room. Tressel if you haven’t noticed is a non black. You have finally shown your true colors and your racists agenda.
By Katmandu
June 1, 2011 8:02 PM | Link to this
This where GREED gets you! Just like Madhoff and the rest of the Corporate pigs that crashed the Economy. GREEN EYED GREEEEED and nothing else. OINK! OINK!
By nyc
June 1, 2011 6:44 PM | Link to this
once again the american way is to blame the black man for everything…several young adults asked me the other day…why is there a washington monument and a jefferson memorial in washington for two former presidents who where slave owners and had no respect for blacks????
By Scoop
June 1, 2011 5:40 PM | Link to this
Can we stop with this whining about paying college athletes? Most are receiving full-ride scholarships, live in special dorms and houses, have tutors, atetnd special classes, travel around the country, stay in top-level hotels, eat at the best restaurants, etc., etc., etc. They’re already highly-compensated for playing games, and do not directly generate revenue for anyone or anything, other than themselves. And where would the money come from to “pay” them?
By 2 HATED ON
June 1, 2011 2:59 PM | Link to this
I sure hope the car($)kept breaking & the owner has maintenance proof or something to support the car swappings. Personally what the players not on this years squad have to say about TP represents nat’l negative bait. The players on this years team shouldnt say squat because its not like they didnt see the whip$ on a daily basis. HA…The ncaa is/seems satisfied & every media outlet possible has milked the cash cow so letter rip (which is what is done regularly anyway) til Aug then the NEB game where TP can get loose again.
By Go Bucks
June 1, 2011 2:43 PM | Link to this
Anyone selling their championship rings or gold pants memorabilia should be released from the team. If they think so little of these items and put themselves before the history and tradition of OSU then they should play somewhere else.
By No more college sports
June 1, 2011 2:25 PM | Link to this
Just start paying these guys. I’m tired of everyone acting like its a school sport.. Student athletes? Okay, I’ll give them athletes, but that’s about it.
By UDdad
June 1, 2011 2:12 PM | Link to this
Once again a “God Fearing”, “I’m better than you” egomaniac-Tressel, is proven to be a man whose actions don’t fit his words or books. Maybe he will now have time to write another book about values and leadership. These are two qualities he does not possess. Or maybe he can go to the local VFW and fix raffles.
By Tomas
June 1, 2011 2:07 PM | Link to this
I am sure the Bengals will pick him up since he is such sleeze. He would fit right in with Ocho and the other goofballs there. Maybe Maurice Clarret can join him.
By me
June 1, 2011 1:28 PM | Link to this
Hey TOSU fans this is pretty ruff, but we can still at least say we are still not Michigan. Hey Michigan fans you guys had your Fab Five so don’t throw stones!
By Chad
June 1, 2011 1:24 PM | Link to this
food for thought going foward…have the university impose their own rule considering the memorabilia. how you ask? lock that stuff up until the players either A. gragduate or B. delcare early & leave. bottom line, make it so players can’t receive it until they are gone. problem solved with selling it for cash & whatnot
By Buckeye Fan Regardless
June 1, 2011 1:22 PM | Link to this
For those putting Buckeyes’ down: Please do not judge ALL Buckeye Players and Fans by the actions of the idiots now being spotlighted. I am a die-hard fan, and in spite of what is coming to light, I will remain a Buckeye Fan. And yes I loved Tressell, but he did wrong., which means he should go. And No I didn’t like Pryor- and the stuff coming out now is why- he was only for himself…
By Tony
June 1, 2011 12:41 PM | Link to this
@Cecilnull: Although I’m not a Pryor fan, he deserved to take over for Boeckman in that game against USC and then beyond. The offense at least was able to move the ball with TP in that game. Switching back and forth was the mistake. After that it was Pryor’s team.
By Fred Farkle
June 1, 2011 12:35 PM | Link to this
This is a terrible tragedy for all those involved. Everybody is guilty and it is not logical to pick out one player and turn on him, make him the scapegoat for the whole situation. They all had their hands in the cookie jar and got caught. My faith in the university is shaken. This is a terrible tragedy for all involved.
By Cecilnull
June 1, 2011 11:58 AM | Link to this
Pryor was not! a better QB than the QB he took over for.Why he was put in there as a freshman,was so wrong.That QB was a senior,and paid his dues.He deserved to start,but they put this idot,slime ball in there,who couldn’t carry the jock of the QB he took over for!Pryor will go down in OHIO STATE history as a no talent bum.
By Urby G
June 1, 2011 11:49 AM | Link to this
How soon the opinions changed once the buckeyes got caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Last year everyone loved this guy and now no one wants him… Anyway I think he was Michigan’s best recruit by far he took down Buckeye nation all by himself!!LOL I’m loving it!
By Mike
June 1, 2011 9:52 AM | Link to this
Michigan is behind this whole scandal. Couldn’t beat OSU on the field so get them off the field. Just a thought HA HA.
By Richard A
June 1, 2011 9:16 AM | Link to this
Now that Tressel is gone, how about Smith and Gee? They had their head up their —-
By What?
June 1, 2011 9:07 AM | Link to this
OSU can drop “THE” from their name. As it turns out, that institution is no different than any other college in the country. I’m waiting for Gene Smith and Elwood to step down before this is over. Where was OSU’s NCAA compliance officer?
By David
June 1, 2011 8:51 AM | Link to this
Pryor won’t have the option of playing football for THE OSU again - he’ll have forfeited his elibility after the NCAA gets through with it investigation. But he will be playing professional football this season - for the Winnipeg Rough Riders. I don’t think anyone in the NFL will waste a draft pick on him.
By deuce
June 1, 2011 8:11 AM | Link to this
Why don’t the car dealerships and/or boosters be reprimanded for having any involvement with college athletes. The university is far bigger than these people are. Take away their season tickets for life or kick them out of town. This car salesman guy should be fired and forced to testify how he gave this stuff to players and why. They start all the problems in the first place.
By Randy
June 1, 2011 6:29 AM | Link to this
Pryor showing up in the 350Z to the Buckeye workout in the wake of the Tressel resignation is just further validation that he is a moron concerned with ONLY himself!
By Hairless nut...
June 1, 2011 6:20 AM | Link to this
Why all the fuss? He’s a “grasshopper” sleaze ball NFL wanna be…playing for OSU was just practice for the big time sleaze league….OOPS! Got caught!
By Marc R
June 1, 2011 6:02 AM | Link to this
I am soooooooooooo loving this!!!!!!!
By Randy
June 1, 2011 6:02 AM | Link to this
and if someone sees him playing QB in the NFL I think they might need to have their eyes checked. A no talent punk.